Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[Guest]

I would like to hear from anyone who has (or still is) started a bookkeeping business part-time while still working full-time during the day. How did you do this? What kinds of clients did you target? How has it worked out? Do you have any suggestions or advice?

[Guest]

I seem to be in nearly the same place you are. I am targeting my start up to concide with tax season. This should generate some much needed cash flow after paying for the course and purchasing necessities. I figure to start the accounting part real slow and concentrate on customer service rather than a lot of work and no time to do a proper job while I am still working full time somewhere else. Anyway good luck

[Guest]

Did anyone ever answer your question? I'm in the same situation and I'm looking for quidance on the type of customers I should target.

[Guest]

Same boat, I'm a full-time computer programmer and I started doing taxes last year. Now I'm trying to grow into bookkeeping services (after finishing the course).

It's been a couple of months since I've finished the course and I haven't got a client. I'm going to try using the 'sales tax permit list' given in a recent tip as well as the dba list in the hopes of getting some folks. I find that stores that are already established (even if just opened)already have an accountant.

I hope this works.

I'd love to see this thread continue to see what kind of success we get.

[Guest]

I started doing this in July 2000, I began with 1 client, a friend taht actually talked me into being his accountant. In July of 2002, I purchased a small bookkeeping practice from an ad in the newspaper. The gentleman was 63 and wanted to retire. He had 7 clients.

Now I am up to 14 clients, and growing. I have found that getting new people after August is very hard, unless it is a new business. I already have 3 that want to sign on with me in the new year.

I have a full time job, and do bookkeeping at night. My main clients are Bars/Restaurants, and Gas Stations. These both allow the flexibility of schedules. The owners appreciate that they can still find me after regular business hours and weekends.

If all things continue, I will be making my move to full time in the next 12 Months.

[Guest]

I work full time, attend college (accounting!) full time, and am starting my business part-time at the ripe old age of 52!

I am very fortunate that my employer has extended hours. I changed from a 9-5 / M-F schedule to a F-M...working S+S evenings...to accommodate the week days off for school.

Sometimes we need to sacrifice in the short term to have what we want long term...think out side the box and see what you can come up with!

Good Luck!

[Guest]

Hi Mike,

I am working FT and doing my business PT. I used to do my business during the evenings and weekends and I was getting burned out, so I made a few changes. I dedicate evenings for existing and new clients. Every client will have a designated evening. So they know outside of an emergency I will call them or meet with them this evening with any questions. I save the weekends to do the bookkeping work. That works for me but everyone has their own formula. Also, I try not to schedule anything on Monday nights if possible. Hope this helps.

[Guest]

I just want to say congratulations! That's awesome that business is growing for you! Hopefully some day I will be in the same boat. I should receive my course from UA soon & I'm very excited about it. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely,

LaKerah